Automatic change-over device



Sept. 3, 1935.

I I I H. G. WEISS AUTOMATIC CHANGE-OVER DEVICE Filed May 6, 1952 4Sheets-Sheet 1 23 INJIILATIOM w I I l l J l INVEIYTOR Henry G. Miss BY TRNEYJ Sept. 3 1935. G. wE|$$ 2,013,021

AUTOMATIC CHANGE-OVER DEVICE Filed May 6, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORHengy 0'. Miss Sept. 3, 1935. H 3 555 AUTOMATIC CHANGE-OVER DEVICE 4sheds-sheet 3 Filed May 6, 1932 INVENTOR f/Em y Cr. 14 6/55 R) 9'7 av :5A T R/VEYS Sept. 3, 1935. H. G WEISS AUTOMATIC CHANGE-OVER DEVICE 4 shets-she t 4 Filed lay 6, 1932 l I I 1 I I l I Ill. 7 fl m m 1 z 5 2 9 56 3 ||1|| z z m w L f 2 r l I W E? r9 3! I E n a 9 a ll Z J 0% a 4 5 m/mu mm 7 1 J M m M .M 6 5 0 6 2 I] .w 1/ w m 7 a u 1|: 2 n 2 a n 2 a. 1 k,n A I n 0 0 L 9/ W 7/ LL lllllll llli a M y 8 on I 2 2 n m m z m n z 2Z t W Z l H g 2 3 7 m 7 7 d I. U w Z 2 fi J 6 2% M. 1 z z s H z 8 8 a Gw H Patented Sept. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATICCHANGE-OVER DEVICE Application MI! 6, 1932, Serial No. 609,698

'IClaims.

This invention relates to an automatic changeover device for motionpicture projecting machines, whereby the operator is relieved of allduties concerning actual operation of the machines with the exception ofplacing and removing the films.

An object of the invention is to provide means associated and arrangedin such a manner as to render motion picture projecting entirelyautomatic, with change-overs from one machine to another accomplished ina highly satisfactory manner so that continuous performance isunattended by perceptibility of the change-over.

Another object is to provide a motion picture change-over device whichwill operate without undesirable interference with the operation of thesound-producing apparatus commonly used in connection with pictureprojection.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel and improved meansfor effecting the change-over from one picture projecting machine toanother, without resorting to the use of markings or indentations oractual contact upon the film itself.

Another object is to provide an automatic picture projecting apparatusof the character above set forth, including automatic means forcompletely disabling the projector temporarily in the event of filmbreakage, so as to preclude mutilation of the film and the possibilityof ignition thereof by the rays of the projector lamp.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide means,operating automatically as a picture film in one projection machine isunwound from its reel, to initiate operation of a second projectionmachine by energizing its projector light, starting its film advancingmotor, and then withdrawing the shutter of the second machinesimultaneously with the closing of the shutter of the first machine andthe shifting of the sound projection means, subsequent to whichoperations the motor and projection light of the first machine areautomatically tie-energized. The second machine thereupon projects itsreel of film, and as the film unwinds and nears its end or trailingportion", the first machine is again automatically placed in operation,by the means of the invention, for projection of a third reel of picturefilm. The shifting from one machine to another thereby is renderedentirely automatic and the operator is required only to replace the filmreel of one machine while the other machine is in operation.

In addition to the foregoing, certain mechanism is interrelated andassociated with the apparatus, to provide for promptly extinguishing theilluminator or arc and stopping the driving motor to prevent filmdestruction in the event of breakage of the film during projection.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein anddisclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevational view showing two identical motion pictureprojecting machines A and B embodying the invention, one of the machinesbeing illustrated in detail and the other being shown conventionally.

Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram showing the electrical connections betweenthe various means employed in carrying out the invention.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view showing a shutter or douser arrangementforming a detail of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic contactor whichcontrols operation of the changeover mechanisms.

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of an automatic are starting andstabilizing device forming part of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the device disclosed in Fig. 5, and showingdiagrammatically the device operatively connected with an arc light tobe controlledthereby.

Fig. 7 is a. cross-sectional view taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 6, showingone form of friction drive,

that may be used in connection with the arc A controlling device.

In the respective picture projection machines indicated at A and B, 2represents the illuminator or are in a suitable casing; 8 is a shutterthat may be interposed between the illuminator and the picture film 4; 5is the reel from which the film is unwound; 0 is the receiving reel ontowhich the film is wound during projection of the picture; I is the motorfor driving the receiving reel; 8 is the lens element of the machine; 9is a device for initiating and controlling sound emitted simultaneouslywith projection of the picture; and I0 indicates a speaker or amplifierelectrically connected with the device 9 of each machine. Each machinemay be supported upon a suitable under structure 12, which may alsosupport the motor I, which motor may be caused to drive the receivingreel 6 by means of a belt or chain arrangement IS.

The foregoing elements and the arrangement as disclosed in Fig. 1, areold and well known in the art, wherefore it is considered unnecessary todescribe in detail the function of said elements.

In accordance with the instant invention, the

following cooperative relationship exists between the two machinesindicated at A and B. Assuming that machine A is in'operation, asindicated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, it is readily understood that itsdriven reel 6 is constantly receiving film from the reel 5, and thepictures of said reel are being projected because of the fact thatshutter 3 of machine A is withdrawn and the illuminator 2 is inoperation, Heretofore, it was necessary for one operator to stop andrender inoperative the machine A, when the reel 5 became exhausted,while at the same time a second operator placed in operation the machineB which carried the next reel of film. It was necessary also for one ofthe operators to effect a change over of the sound mechanism frommachine A to machine B simultaneously with the stopping of machine A andthe starting of machine B. By means of the herein described invention,however, the machine A, which is in operation, automatically energizesthe illuminator and the motor of machine B as the film of machine Anears the end or trailing portion, and, at a proper time, simultaneouslyopens the shutter of machine B, closes the shutter of machine A, andthrows an electrical switch l4 which places the speaker or amplifier IDin condition to operate from the sound initiating device 9 of machine B.The means of the invention serves also to render completely inoperativemachine A, by breaking the electrical circuit of its illuminator 2 andmotor 1. Therefore while the machine B is in operation an operator mayremove the film that was displayed by machine A and replace said filmwith a reel intended for projection after display of the film on machineB. As the film ofrrfachine B reaches the end of its travel, themechanism of the invention operates to start the machine A as themachine B is rendered inoperative. From the foregoing it should beclearly understood that the machines will automatically operatealternately without the intervention of an operator except forreplacement of reels of film in the idle machine. 7

Of considerable importance to this invention is the fact that the reel5, and its central shaft or axle l5, gain speed of rotation as the filmis payed out and wound onto the receiving reel 6, this being due to thegradual increase in diameter of the hub of reel 6 and the gradualdecrease in diameter of the hub of reel 5 as the film is transferred.The hub of reel 5 is indicated at I 6, and that of reel 6-is indicatedat H. This change in a xle or reel speed is utilized for effecting thechange-over from one machine to the other, because the hubs of all reelsare of uniform diameter and consequently the last rotations of allpaying reels 5 are of a definite or expected speed regardless of thelength of film carried by such reels. The speeds of rotation of theshafts 15, therefore, may be relied upon for actuating a mechanism toautomatically stop one machine and start the other machinesimultaneously and with great precision at a predetermined time.

The automatic start and stop means may include a device operating on theprinciple of a tachometer, and described as follows. At I8 is indicateda stationary electrical contact supporting board, which, if desired, maybe in the form of a plate or disc. Extending through the opening in theboard l8, which is preferably of insulated material, is a shaft 20, uponwhich is fixedly mounted a contact bar I9. The free end of the contactbar, upon rotation of the shaft 20, will engage various electricalterminals supported upon the plate I8, for the purpose of closingcertain electrical circuits. The main shaft 23 of the device of Fig. 4may be provided with any suitable means, a gear 24 being shown, fortransmitting motion from the reel supporting shaft I 5 to the main shaft23 of the device. Gear 24 may engage a gear 25 fixed on the reelsupporting shaft. Obviously, a belt or chain drive could be substitutedfor the gear drive just described.

On the main shaft 23 (Fig. 4) is mounted a governor device which may beof any suitable design, that shown comprising a pair of weights 26pivoted to links 21 the free ends of which links are pivoted at 28, upona cross bar 29 fixed to shaft 23, and at 30 upon a cross bar 3| slidableon shaft 23. As the main shaft is rotated the weights will extendthemselves laterally, thereby causing the grooved collar 32 which isfixed to cross bar 3| to move longitudinally of the shaft. The amount oflongitudinal movement of the collar is determined by the speed ofrotation of shaft 23 and its effect upon the weights 26.

The grooved collar receives one end 33 of a crank 34 which crank isfixedly mounted on a shaft 35 journalled in suitable bearing means.

Said shaft might of itself, support the contact bar I9, but in order togain increased movement of the contact bar through a circular arc, theremay be provided the gearing 36 between the shafts 35 and 20.

From the foregoing, it should be clearly understood that by graduallyincreasing the speed of rotation of the shaft 23, the contact arm or bari9 will be moved comparatively slowly through an arc of a circle, sothat the free end of the metallic contact arm may successively contactthe electrical terminals which are arranged on the stationary plate l8.The contact arm l9 may be moved in a clockwise direction of rotation, asindicated by the arrow in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that otherforms of tachometer or speedometer devices may be employed for movingthe arm l9, wherefore the invention is not to be restricted to the useof the specific device illustrated and described.

As is most clearly shown in Fig. 1, the machine is provided with asafety device the function of which is to stop the machine andextinguish the are or illuminator upon breakage of the film duringprojection. The safety device comprises a switch, indicated generally bythe character 31, which has a mechanical connection with a follower 38that normally rides upon the film and serves also to hold the film incontact with the drum 9 of the photo-electric sound producing unit. Thedrum 9 and its association with the photo-electric mechanism and theexciter lamp 39, is well known in the art and therefore need not bedescribed in detail herein for a clear understanding of the presentinvention.

It is to be observed that the follower 38 comprises an arm 40 which ispivoted at 4! upon a stationary part of the machine, the end of the armopposite the pivot being provided with an anti-friction roller 42 whichbears upon the film and urges it toward the dr1m1. Intermediate the endsof the arm is pivoted a connecting member 43 'the end 44 of which has apivotal connection with a rockable or tiltable plate or support 45 whichcarries the switch means 31. The plate 45 is pivoted, as at 46, to astationary part 41 of the machine frame, so that upon movement of therod 43 to the right the switch 31 will be actuated to break anelectrical circuit through the switch terminals 48 and 49 and completean electrical circuit through the switch terminals 50 and H. Saidactuation of the switch 01 effects a complete disabling of the machineto which it is attached, as will become apparent as the descriptionproceeds. Obviously, the above stated movement of the member II to theright, results when the film 4 breaks and thereby permits the roller tostrike the drum 0. The roller may be constantly urged toward the drum bygravity or by a light spring, not shown. Although other forms ofswitches 81 may be employed, only one type is shown, this being amercury contact switch comprising a glass or other suitable bulbcontaining a suitable fluid conductor such as mercury. In threading theillm into the machine, the rolier 42 is caused to assume therelationship shown in Fig. l in which the roller is spaced from thedrum. It may be stated that the element t04i42 is not necessarily anadded part, but is found on the machine as part of its equipment; henceit will be understood that other or equivalent followers may be utilizedto provide an actuator for the switch 31. Each of the machines A and Bis equipped with a switch mechanism as above set forth, as is evidentfrom Fig. 2.

It is considered preferable, though not absolutely necessary, to provideeach machine with an automatic arc regulating device which may be of anysuitable or acceptable construction, such as is disclosed in the patentsof N. 8. Keith #257,588 and C. M. Fox #l,622,505, or in my copendingapplication Serial Number 593,496, filed February 1'7, 1932. The areregulating device is indicated herein by the characters 52-53, theoperating motor thereof being represented at 52 and the remainingmechanism (see Figs. 5 and 6) being housed within the casing 52. Thecharacter 54 (Fig. 2) indicates a cable which contains the necessarywiring for parts 52 and 50. Electrical current is supplied to the arelight and associated mechanisms, by a generator or other suitable sourceof electricity 55, as will be explained. presently.

By reference to Fig. 2 it will be seen that the system includes a seriesof momentary contact switches 56 to 61 inclusive which are electricallyassociated with certain eiectro-magnetic coils on a series of contactorsor switches 60 to 19 inclusive, in such manner as to break and closevarious electrical circuits in which the contactors are included. Whenthe operator desires to initially begin the exhibition of pictures, heis required to depress the momentary contact switches 55, 50 and 60,which serve to actuate the arc. the driving-motor, and the shutter ordouser of machine A, which, as shown in Fig. 2, is in actual operation.The source of current for the are or illuminator is indicated at 55,this being preferably a generator furnishing direct current. Thegenerator 00 furnishes alternating current for operating the motor anddousers, and the generator 0i may be utilized for supplying eitherdirect or alternating current for actuating the various contactors.

The contactors J and M serve to control operation of the arcs ofmachines A and B, respectively. Contactor J comprises the opposedelectro-magnets 60 and 69, each of which may act for moving a pivotedswitch blade 02 to open and closed circuit positions. Similarly,contactor M comprises the electro-magnets 14 and 15 which may act uponthe switch blade 00 in a like manner. With the switch blades in thepositions shown in Fig. 2, the current from the generator 55 is suppliedto the arc regulating device 52' by means of the conductors ll, 05, I2,00, and 01 (Fig. 2). Inasmuch as the switch blade 05 is in the openposition, no current may flow to the arc regulating device 52 of machineB; however, by effecting energization of the coils 50 and 15, the switchblades are moved so that blade 02 assumes an open position, whereasblade 05 assumes a closed position for completing the electrical circuitcomprising conductors 04, 05, 05, 89, and 51. The are of machine Bthereby is energized while at the same time the arc of machine A isde-energized. It will be understood that the leads 50 and SI supplycurrent to the carbons of machines A and B, respectively.

While the arc of machine A is in operation. the motor 1A of said machineis running by reason of the electricity supplied by the generator 00through the conductors 02, 53, N, switch blade 05, conductor 95, and theconductor 91 which is a return wire common to the switch blades ofcontactors K, L, N, and P. It will be noted, also, that thesolenoid 90of machine A, which maintains the shutter 3A in a raised or openposition, is energized by means of the closed electrical circuitcomprising the conductors 92. 03, 09. 00, I00, switch blade IOI,conductor I02, and common return wire 01. By shifting the switch blades05 and |0I to an open circuit position, by means of electro-magnets 10and 12, respectively, the circuits of the motor 1A and solenoid 90 maybe broken. Upon moving the switch arms I03 and I0 to a closed circuitposition, by means of magnets 11 and 10, respectively, electricalcircuits may be closed to effect operation of the motor and douser orshutter of machine B. The circuit of the motor of machine B wouldinclude the conductors 92, I05, switch blade I05, conductor I06, andcommon return wire 91. The circuit of the solenoid I01 of the machine Bdouser would include the conductors 52, I00, I01, IIO, switch arm I05,conductor II2, wire 91.

From the foregoing it should be evident that, as the machines are tooperate alternately, the switch blades of contactors K and L are closedwhenever the switch blades of contactors N and P are open, and viceversa. Also, when switch 02 of contactor J is closed, the switch 83 ofcontactor M is open, and vice versa.

As stated before, machine A, according to the wiring diagram of Fig. 2,is in operation and machine B is in condition to operate, the filmthereof being threaded over the various sprockets and reels 5 and 5. Asmachine A nears the end of its projecting period, the governor arm I9reaches and makes contact with the terminal R. of the automaticchange-over mechanism, so as to complete a circuit for energizing thearc2 of machine B. The circuit thereby completed includes the generator8i, conductor I I5, contacts I I4 and H5 of switch 31B, conductor IIG,terminals 40 and 45 of switch 21 contactor H1, and H0, governor arm I9,and terminal R, conductors H0, and I20, magnet 15, conductor HI, andcommon return wire I22 to the generator II. By thereby energizing themagnet 15 and closing the switch 03, current is caused to flow to theare 2 of machine B through the arc regulating device 52 thereof asherein before set forth, the switch 82 of contactor J remaining closedbecause machine A is still projecting.

Further advancement of the governor arm I0 eflects closing of a circuitfrom III to S, which starts the motor of machine B by completing anelectrical circuit including the generator 0i, conand the common returnductors II3, II4., H5, H6, 48, 49, H1, H8, I9, S, I23, I24, coil 11,conductor I25, and common return wire I22 to the generator 8I.Energizing of electro-magnet 11 closed the switch I03 for supplyingelectrical energy to the motor I or machine B, as above described. Itwill be noted that the motor switch 95 of machine A remains closedbecause the machine A still is projecting.

When the governor contactor advances sumciently to afford an electricalconnection between conductors I I8 and T, a circuit is closed foropening or elevating the shutter3 of machine B and simultaneouslyclosing or releasing the shutter 3A of machine A, so that machine B willproject in. place of machine A. The circuit completed by reason of thegovernor arm I9 striking the contact or terminal T, includes thegenerator 8I, conductors H3, H4, H5, H6, 48, 49, H1, H8, I8, T, I26,I21, I28, coil 19, conductor I29, and common return wire I22 to thegenerator 8I. It will be noted that conductor I21 supplies current alsoto a conductor I30, which in turn energizes the magnet 12 of contactor Lfor moving the switch blade IIII to an open position while the magnet 19moves switch I04 of contactor P to the closed position, therebypermitting the shutter 3A to drop as the shutter 3 of machine B israised or moved to the open position.

The next step in the series is to effect automatic stopping of machineA, since machine B now is in operation. Machine A is stopped by reasonof tilting of the mercury switch 31 (see Fig. 1) as the trailing portionof the film from reel 5 reaches the roller 42 of the automatic cut-offmeans. Movement of the extreme end or trailing portion of film 4 pastthe roller 42 is equivalent to the film. breakage, wherefore the rolleror follower 42 moves forwardly to strike the photoelectric cell drum 9and thereby moves the switch mechanism 45 about its pivot 46 for tiltingthe tube 31 rearwardly. The eifect of rearwardly tilting said switch isto cause completion of an electrical circuit comprising the generator8i, .conductors H3, I48, 58, 5|, I3I, and conductors I32 and I33 whichlead to coils 68 and 10, respectively, which have connection by means ofwires I34 and I35, with the return wire I22 of the generator. Theelectrical circuit thereby completed through the coils 68 and 10 causesmovement of the switches 82 and 95 to an open position, whereby the arcand motor circuits of machine A are opened. Obviously then, machine Astops and after removal of the exhibited film, it may be rethreaded witha film to follow the projection of machine B. It will be understood thatstopping of machine A will cause the governor arm I9 of said machine tomove to an initial position in advance of the change-over contacts, R, Sand T, and as the machine A is rethreaded with film, the mercurycontactcr 31 will be moved back to the position indicated in Figs. 1 and2.

In a manner similar to that described in connection with machine A, themachine B will operate, toward the end of its projection period, tostart the machine A. The starting of machine A is begun when thegovernor contactor ISB moves into position for making electrical contactwith the terminal U, whereby to complete the circuit including thegenerator 8|, conductors H3, H4, H5, H6, 48, 49, H1, I9B, U, I36, coil69 of contactor J, conductor I31, and the common return wire I22 togenerator 8|. By thus energizing the coil 69 the switch 82 is closed forcompleting the arc circuit of machine A, which circuit comprises thegenerator 55, conductors 84,.

85, 82, 86, 52, and 81. As the governor contact I8B reaches the terminalV, there is completed a circuit for starting the motor 1A of machine A.This circuit being from generator II thmlllh conductors H3, H4, H5, H6,48, 46, H1, I83, I38, I39, coil II, and conductor I48 which iselectrically connected to return wire I22 of the generator 8I. By thusenergizing the coil II, the switch arm 95 is attracted so as to closethe circuit of the motor 1A as herein before described.

Further advancement of the governor contact member I8B to a positionupon terminal W of the change-over device, closes a circuit wherebythere is effected an actuation of the douser or shutter mechanism thatpermits machine A to project its film, while at the same time machine Bis precluded from projecting, due to lowering or closing of the shutter3. The circuit last mentioned includes the generator 8i, conductors H3,H4, H5, H6, 48, 49, H1, ISB, W, I, I42, coil 18, and conductor I43,which has electrical connection with the generator return wire I22. Bythus energizing the coil 18, the switch I84 is moved to the openposition, whereby to break the circuit of the solenoid I91 of machine Bwhile the solenoid 98 of machine A becomes energized. due to passage ofcurrent from the live wire I42 through the conductor I44, coil 13,conductor I45, and return wire I22.

Machine B being in operation, the next step is to stop machine A byde-energizing its arc and motor, this being accomplished by tilting ofmercury contactor 31B in exactly the same manner as was described inconnection with the mercury contactor 31 of machine A. The tilting ofcontactor 31B effects a mercury connection between the contacts I46 andI41 thereof, whereby current may flow from generator 8| throughconductors H3, I48, I48, I46, I41, I58, and conductors I5I and I52 whichlead to coils 14 and 16, respectively, each of which has a return wireto the common conductor I22 of generator II. It will be noted thatenergization of coil 14 caused an opening of the switch 83, whichcontrols flow of electricity to the arc of machine B, and thatenergization of coil 16 opened the switch III, which controls flow ofelectricity to the motor 1 of machine B. Machine B thereby is completelydisabled due to movement of mercury switch 813 which was permitted totilt when the trailing portion of the film in machine B left the safetydevice 48 thereof (see Fig. 1). After the machine has come to a stop, itmay be re-threaded 'with film and placed in readiness for operationafter the exhibition of the film contained in machine A.

The foregoing completes an explanation of sequence of operationsconcerning machines A and B.

The momentary contact push buttons 56 to 61 inclusive provide for manualcontrol of the arc, motor, and douser mechanisms of the machines. Whenthe button 56 is depressed, electrical current is supplied to the magnet68 for energizing the arc of machine A. Depression of button 51 closesan electrical circuit through the coil 68 for opening the switch 82 andde-energizing the arc. Depression of switch button 58 effectsenergization of the coils 13, and 18, whereby the douser of machine A isopened and that of machine B is closed. Upon depressing the button 59,the coils 19 and 12 are energized for opening the douser of machine B,and closing the douser of machine A. When it is required to energize thearc of machine B, the button 48 is -iilow through the coil 15 whichattracts the switch blade I54 which in turn completes the electricalcircuit through the solenoid I01 for opening the douser 5 of machine-B;at the same time the coil 12 is energized for attracting the switchblade IOI of contactor L for opening the electrical circuit of thesolenoid 55, whereby to permit lowering or closing of the douser 5A.Depression of the switch 55 causes energimtion of the coil 15 ofcontactor P, which eflects retraction of the switch blade I05 to breakthe circuit of solenoid I01. while at the same time the coil 15 isenergized for completing the circuit of solenoid 55 through switch bladeIII.

When it is desired to manually or independently energize the arc ofmachine A, the switch 55 may be depressed for exciting the coil 55 inorder to attract the switch blade 52 and move it blade A5 to anopenposition with respect to the arc circuit.

The characters I55 and I55 indicate panels upon which the variousmomentary contact switches 55 to 51 inclusive, are mounted. Attention isdirected to the fact that the tiltable switches 51 and 51B of machines Aand B, respectively, provide a safety means whereby the operator's handsare protected from injury while threading up either of the machines. Aslong as a machine has its follower 55 disposed forwardly against thedrum 5 of the photo-electric cell mechanism, that machine cannot bestarted automatically when the other machine terminates its projectionperiod. This should be readily understood by reference to a foregoingparagraph wherein an explanation was given as to how the rearwardtilting of switch 51 or switch 513 breaks the arc and motor circuits ofits associated machine. Thus it will be observed that the tiltableswitches function as safety devices.

as well as automatic cut-oil's for the arc and motor circuits.

From the disclosure of Fig. 3, it will be noted that the soundamplifying or speaker apparatus has connection with the douser mechanismsuch that actuation of the douser will effect a changeover of thespeaker. A preferred form of means for accomplishing the above comprisesa cord, cable or the like I55 the opposite ends of which may beconnected to the cores of solenoids 55 and I01, as indicated at I55 andI51. The element I55 may pass over a pair of pulleys I55 which may berotatably supported upon suitable brackets fastened to a wall orceiling. The character I59 indicates the usual fader which contains amovable switch arm I50 of electricity conducting material that may bemoved about its axis I" to provide for selective engagement thereof withthe terminals I62 and I55 of the fader. The axis 'I5I may have fixedthereto an extending arm I 54 which is securely connected. as at I55 toa point on the cord or cable I55. From the foregoing, it should readilybe understood that energization of the solenoid 55 will eil'ect suchmovement of the connecting arm I50 as will throw the switch blade I50into electrical connection with the contact I52.

The conductor I55 which leads from the contact I52 enters apre-amplifying device I51, the interior construction of which iswellknown to those conversant with the art to which the inventionappertains. A conductor I55 leaves the pre-amplifying device I51 ofmachine A, and straps over to the second pre-amplifying device I55 whichhas electrical connection with machine B. Conductor I55 extends to asource of potential I10 for the speaker III, which is placed in seriestherewith, and a conductor I1l connects the speaker in series with thepre-amplifying device I51 by means of a connection to the shaft IIIwhich is electrically associated with the switch blade I50. From theterminal I55 of the fader switch. a conductor I12 is connected to theterminal I15 of the pre-ampliiler I55, so that upon movement of theswitch blade I55 to the terminals I52 and I55, the pre-ampiiflers I51and I55 may successively be placed in electrical association with thespeaker I and the source of electricity I10. By means of the foregoingarrangement, the speaker is caused to function when the projectingmachine has its shutter A disposed in an open or inoperative position;if the shutter 5A is conditioned to intercept the light rays of theilluminator, the speaker will be associated with the other shutter 5which necessarily is in inoperative or open position and conversely,closing of the shutter 5 and opening of the other shutter 5A effects achange-over of the sound apparatus so that sound is produced by theoperating machine, the shutter 5A of which is open or inoperative.

Inasmuch as the fader, the pre-amplliiers and the speaker or amplifyingmeans I0 are devices well known in the art, it is considered unnecessaryto further describe their details of construction. The multiple-wirecables I15 and I15 carry the necessary conductors for electricallyassociating the pre-ampliilers with the photo-electric apparatus whichinitiates production of sound during exhibition of the pictures.

Attention is now directed to the disclosures of Figs. 5, 6 and 'l whichshow one form of means for automatically. starting and stabilizing anarc light such as is indicated at 2 of Fig. 2. It is to be understoodthat one are starting and stabilizing device may be associated with eachmachine, as hereinbefore explained, so that no manual adjustments arenecessary during or intermediate the change-over operations.

In the drawings, 2 represents arcing or incandescent elements, which maybe of carbon or other suitable material, said elements being mountedupon clips or supports 205 and 201, respectively. Each support includesa threaded bore 205 adapted for reception of the right and left handscrew threads 209 and H0, whereby upon rotation of the screw 2I2, theclips will be moved in opposite directions for adjusting the relativepositions of the elements 2.

The screw 2 I2 may be moved in opposite directions by means of thereversible motor 55. By providing a suitable friction clutch device 2I5the screw may be rendered manually actuable by means of the handle I5,as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Means are provided for effecting rotation of the motor 55 in onedirection or the other, depending upon the variations in resistance inthe electrical circuit which supplies electricity to the arcingelements. It should readily be apparent that as the arcing elements burnaway, the distance between them is increased and this has the effect ofadding to the resistance of the electrical circuit including the arcingelements. The principal circuit of the arcing elements comprises theconductor 90, coil or solenoid 2i1, conductors 2l8 and 81,direct-current generator 55, conductors 84 and 85, switch 82, conductor85, resistance 224, and conductor 90. By closing the switch 82 afterstarting the direct current generator 55, the handle 2|5, if desired,can be manipulated for striking the are at 2 in the customary manner.

There is provided a second circuit including the generator 55,conductors 84 and 85, switch 82, conductor 86, resistance 224, conductor225, the terminals 221 and 228 of a coil or solenoid 228, and conductor81. Coils or solenoids 2H and 229 differ from one another in that thelatter consists of a great number of turns of fineinsulated copper wire,whereas the former, that is coil [1, consists of a few turns of heavyinsulated copper wire. Both coils are hollow and provide the bores 230and 23l for reception of longitudinal annatures or cores 232 and 233,respectively. The armatures are pivotally mounted, as at 234 and 235, atthe opposite ends of a rocking beam or support 236 which is pivoted at231 upon an inclined or vertical standard 238. The standard or beamsupport may be mounted upon the same base 239 which supports the coils2I1 and 229. To assist in securing a balancing of the beam 235, there isprovided, preferably though not necessarily, any suitable adjustingmeans for the above purpose. By way of example, the standard may havepivoted thereto at 2 an arm 248, one end of which arm supports thesliding weight 242 and the other end of which arm is pivoted at 243 uponone of the armatures, such as 232. By sliding the weight 243, abalancing of the beam 235 may readily be effected.

The remainder of the mechanism on the beam 235 constitutes a reversingswitch for reversing the direction of rotation of the arc adjustingmotor 53, according as the beam is tilted in one direction or the otheras the current in the arc circuit varies.

Although various types of reversing switches are applicable to theinvention, the switch about to be described is found to be satisfactoryin its operation. Said switch comprises a pair of closed tubes 244 and245 each of which contains a quantity of mercury or other suitableelectricity conducting material that may shift to one end or the otherof the tubes, upon tilting of the tubes. The tubes are mounted onindividual clips or supports 246 which are-I secured adjustably uponbrackets 241 fixed to opposite sides of the beam. The clips may includescrew studs 248 which pass through the brackets and are held thereto bymeans of nuts 249. The levels of the tubes thereby may be adjusted so asto assume an exactly horizontal position when the beam is balanced. Eachtube has two interiorly disposed conductor points in each of its ends,as indicated clearly in Fig. 5, and when the tubes are level orhorizontal the points are free of contact with the mercury. Upon tiltingof the tubes in unison, the mercury moves to corresponding ends of thetubes for making electrical connections between the motor and the sourceof electricity, 1. e., the generator 55, or other power supply. When thetubes are tilted in one direction, the motor 53 rotatescounter-clockwise, whereas if the tubes are tilted in the oppositedirection, the rotation of the motor is reversed, with the result thatthe carbons are. moved toward or from one another.

The field terminals of motor 58 are marked F, and the armature terminalsare marked "E". One pair of the field terminals is connected to thesource of electricity by the conductors 258 and 2!"; the other fieldterminals are connected to the contacts on the mercury tubes, as arealso the armature terminals. Conductors 252, 258 and 254 connect onefield terminal with the opposite outermost contacts 255 and 255 of thetubes 244 and 245, and conductors 251, 258 and 258 connect the remainingfield terminal with the contacts 258 and 281. One armature terminal isconnected with the two inner contacts of tube 244 by means of theconductors 252, 253, 254, while theother is connected to the two innercontacts of tube 245 by means of the conductors 255, 255 and 251.

The foregoing mode of wiring is for use with a six-lead series directcurrent motor such as 53, it being readily evident that other types ofreversible motors would require different modes of wiring.

The operation of the are starting and stabilizing device is as follows:

With the generator 55 in operation, and upon closing of the switch 82,the conductors 258 and 25! are charged with electricity for exciting thefield of the arc-controlling motor 53. At the same time, current fiowsthrough the circuit comprising conductors 84, 85, 82, 85, 224, 225, 221,228, 81 and 55, whereupon the solenoid 229 is energized for drawingdownwardly the armature 233 thereof. This movement of the armaturecauses tilting of the beam 235, which in turn tilts the mercury tubesand furnishes electrical current conductivity in one direction throughthe motor by means of the wires 251258254252 and 255251--254252, wherebythe motor is actuated for advancing thecarbon elements. Then, as thecarbons advance, an arc is formed and current is caused to flow throughthe circuit comprising the conductors 281, 95, 2 l1, 2 I8, 81, 55, 84,85,82, 85, 224 and 205. The solenoid 2l1, being thereby energized,attracts the armature 232 and moves it downwardly until the pull of thesolenoid 228 is equal to that of solenoid 2l1, whereupon the beam 235will be balanced and motor 53 stopped for lack of electrical connectionswithin the mercury tubes. Thus it is apparent that the arc is selfstarting.

As the carbons gradually wear away, the resistance in their circuitincreases, with the result that solenoid 2 l1 loses some of itsattractive power and permits solenoid 229 to attract its armsture andtilt the beam 235 sufliciently to again effect a closing of the motorcircuit through the mercury switches. The motor thereupon again advancesthe carbons, and this operation is repeated until the carbons finallyare consumed.

If, during operation of the are light, some other electrical device isthrown into circuit with the generator so as to draw considerablecurrent therefrom, the are light will not be extinguished, but instead,the solenoid 2" will lose some of its attractive force and permit thesolenoid 229 to act for tilting the mercury switches and eifecting anadvancement of thecarbons by the motor 53. Should said other electricaldevice thereafter be cut out of the circuit or caused to decrease itsdrain on the generator, the solenoid 2" will regain its attractive forceand overcome the force of the solenoid 229, whereby to effect anotheractuation of the motor for spacing the carbons properly under the newconditions thereby presented. Thus it will be evident that the are lightautomatically is adjusted and readjusted to render it properly operativeregardless of fluctuations or variations in the are light circuithowever extreme they may be.

By virtue of the means above described, one may either advance orretract the carbons man ually, by means of the handle III, with theresult that the motor 53 will become energized for immediately movingthe carbons to the predetermined properly spaced relationship asdetermined by the relative attractive eiforts of the solenoids. As anexample providing assistance for'properly constructing the device, itmay be stated that in using a direct cu'rrentgenerator of '70 volts E.M. F., the solenoid ill may comprise approximately 7200 turns ofNo.\,0l2 insulated copper wire, and the solenoid I" may comprise 69turns or less of No. 10 insulated copper wire. Solenoid 2H by reason ofits constructionand manner of connection in the arc circuit, may betermed a series coil or solenoid, and that indicated at 229 is apotential coil or solenoid. The series coil is seen to be in series withthe arc, while the potential coil is connected in the arc circuit,shunted across the arc and the series coil. The attractive strength ofthe potential coil 229 remains nearly constant at all times, but theseries coil 2H being in series with the arc and having but few turns ofheavy wire, is considerably affected by variations in the arc circuit.

The friction means 2 I may be of any accepted construction therebeing'shown herein a snugly fitting friction sleeve 29!! on the shaft 2,which sleeve has keyed thereto at 211 the worm wheel 21! which mesheswith worm 213 on the shaft of motor 53. To preclude movement of thesleeve longitudinally of the shaft III, said shaft may be provided withan annular groove 2" engaged by a pin 215 in the sleeve (Fig. '7).

It will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the typeof generator 55 and arc-. ing elements used in the combination, willdetermine to a great extent the number of turns of wire to be placed onthe solenoids ill and 220. The mode of wiring the motor 53 with thereversing switch will of course depend upon the construction of themotor and the kind of current used to operate it.

It may be stated. incidentally, that by keep- I ing the bearings 216 orother parts of the mechanism in a tightened condition, a braking of themotor may be secured; however, if all the parts are permitted to operatefreely the sensitivity of the device is increased due to more frequentactuations of the reversing switch and motor 53 resultim; from thetendency of the motor to coast after each energization thereof.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that I have provided meanswhereby the operation of the motion picture projecting machines isrendered entirely automatic; it being thereby unnecessary for theoperator to utilize his time watching for cues on the projected pictureand to manually place one machine in operation after termination of theexhibition by the first machine. The operator is required only to threadthe film through the machines, leaving the automatic change-over to beaccomplished by the automatic mechanisms whereby change-overs are madein such manner as to be imperceptible to the audience. As a result, theentire exhibition of pictures with sound is rendered absolutely perfectand continuous, whichwas practically imnossible'when the machines werechanged over manually.

Although I illustrated and described herein, the preferred manner ofaccomplishing the foregoing, it is to be understood that variousmodifications and changes in structural details may be made, within thescope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:

l. The combination with a plurality of motion picture projectingmachines each comprising a pair of film transferring reels, anilluminator for the film. and a motor for moving the film from one reelto the other at a uniform rate of speed past the illuminator, of meansincluding a governor switch driven by one of the reels upon movement ofthe film from one reel to the other, for initiating operation oflthemachines in succession.

2. The combination with a plurality of motion picture projectingmachines each comprising a pair of film transferring reels, anilluminator, and means for moving the film past the illuminator from onereel to the other, of means responsive to variations in the speed ofrotation of one of the reels, as its hub diameter changes due to windingor unwinding of the film, for initiating operation of the machines insuccession.

3. The combination of a plurality of motion picture projection machineseach comprising a pair of film transferring reels, an illuminator, and amotor for unwinding the film from one of the reels to the other andmoving it progressively past the illuminator, a shutter on each machinefor intercepting the light rays of the illuminators, means associatedwith both shutters for closing one shutter while opening the othershutter, a sound producing apparatus to be selectively connected withthe machines, means associating the shutter mechanism with the soundproducing apparatus to connect the sound producing apparatus with thatmachine whose shutter is open andmeans responsive to variations in thespeed of rotation of one of the reels, as its hub diameter. changes dueto winding or unwinding of the film, for initiating operation of themachines in succession.

4. In combination a pair of motion picture projecting machines eachcomprising a pair of film transferring reels, a light source, a motorfor unwinding the film from one of the reels and moving it progressivelypast the light source, a movable change-over control member providedwith means for advancing said member progressively as the film isunwound from the reel of the machine, a safety cut-oil switch and adouser, a series of electro-magnetic contactors each having a throw-inand a throw-out coil, an electrical circuit including a source ofelectricity, the light sources and a pair of said contactors, a secondelectrical circuit including a source of electricity and two pairs ofsaid contactors for the motors and dousers of both machines, a thirdelectrical circuit including a source of electricity, the safety cut-ofiswitches, the change-over control members, the magnetic coils of the.contactors, and a series of manually operable switches for manualcontrol of the machine elements, the aforesaid advancement of thechangeover control member of one machine thereby serving to successivelyclose the electrical circuits of the magnetic units of the contactorswhich include the light-source, motor, and douser of the other machine,for closing the said first and second electrical circuits, meansassociated with the safety cut-oil. switch for actuation thereof uponpredetermined unwinding of the films from the reels, said actuation ofthe cutoff switch operatirm to close the circuit through magneticthrow-out coils of the contactors ofthe first and second circuits, toopen the circuits of the light source and motor of the machine carryingsaid'safety cut-off switch.

5.-In combination a pair of motion picture projecting machines eachcomprising a pay out and a receiving film transferring reel, 8. lightsource, a motor for unwinding the film from one of the reels and movingit progressively past the light source, a movable change-over controlmember provided with means for advancing said member progressively asthe film is unwound from the pay out reel, a safety cut-off switch and adouser, a series of electromagnetic contactors each having a throw-inand a throw-out coil, an electrical circuit including a source ofelectricity, the light sources and a pair of said contactors, a secondelectrical circuit including a source of electricity and two pairs ofsaid contactors for the motors and dousers of both machines, a thirdelectrical circuit including a source of electricity, the cut-offswitches, the change-over control members and the magnetic coils of thecontactors, the aforesaid advancement of the changeover control memberof one machine thereby serving, upon predetermined movement, tosuccessively close the electrical circuits of the magnetic units of thecontactors which include the light source, motor, and douser of theother machine, for closing said first and second electrical circuits,means associated with the cut-off switch for actuation thereof uponpredetermined unwinding of the films from the pay out reels, saidactuation of the cut-oil switch operating to close the circuit throughthe magnetic throw-out coils of the contactors of the first and secondcircuits, to open the circuits of the-light source and motor of themachine carrying said safety cut-oil? switch.

6. The combination with a plurality of motion picture projectingmachines each comprising movable film supporting means constituted of afilm pay-out and a film receiving element, a light source, a motor formoving the payed-out film past the light source, a douser, and soundproducing means to be connected with a speaker. of means associated withone of the machines and normally held in an operative position formaintainng its light source and motor in operation, said means beingrendered inoperative when the film has been completely payed out, asimilar normally operative maintaining means associated with the othermachine, mechanism associated with the first machine and including meanscontrolled by movement of the film supporting means thereof for placingin operation the light source and motor of the other machine, a similarmechanism associated with said other machine, for placing in operationthe light source and motor of the first machine, means operating to openthe douser of one machine and close that of the other machine,connections between said mechanisms, maintaining means, and machineconstituents, whereby each machine may stop itself and start the otherautomatically, and means associated with the dousers to connect thesound producing means alternately with a speaker.

'7. In combination with a motion picture projecting machine comprisingat least one rotatable transfer reel for spirally wound film, anilluminator for the film, and means for transferring the film relativeto the reel and moving the film at a substantially uniform rate of speedpast the illuminator as the reel rotates at an ever-changing speed dueto the transfer and the resultant change in the effective hub diameterof the reel, which hub diameter is constituted chiefly of the spirallywound film, an electrical circuit, an arc light and a source ofelectricity included in the electrical circuit, and means responsive tothe variation of reel speed for closing the are light circuit andeffecting energization of said are light.

HENRY G. WEISS.

